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Bienvenidxs al blog de Alberto

EN LIBERTAD EL 31 DE OCTUBRE 2013

Recognitions are given to the indigenous Tsotsil Professor Alberto Patishtán, unjustly imprisoned in Chiapas.

September 25,
2013

Maybe the relevant judicial
institutions did not recognize his innocence. But his people, and thousands of
people around the world did. Maybe prison is one of the places where the most
violations of human rights are committed. But today CERSS 5 was full of its
defenders. And maybe hope is the one thing which is not lost, especially if your
name is Alberto Patishtán.

“I do not lose hope, I will
keep fighting. For the love of life itself and the love of justice is above
everything." So Patishtán spoke optimistically to the media today at a press
conference held after the Mass for the day of the prisoner and the launch of the
book “Accompanying hope". It was no coincidence that this book, published by the
Network All Rights for All [la Red de Todos los Derechos Para Todos] was
launched in the CERSS 5 with the presence of Patishtán. In fact, the Tsotsil
teacher appears among the eight accounts it contains of great fighters for human
rights. What is paradoxical is that less than two weeks ago Mexican justice
ratified the conviction of this prisoner in struggle. "It is difficult to accept
the decision made by the first collegiate tribunal in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the
ratification of 60 years for an innocent man", Martín Ramírez López, a member of
the Movement of the People of El Bosque, said with regret.

There were many people who
attended the event to see and hear the words of Professor Patishtán. But many
also came to visit their own family members and to celebrate with them the day
of the prisoner. In fact, today, CERSS 5 could have looked like anything other
than a prison, if it were not for the endless bars and the long queues to enter.
Even Raúl Vera, Bishop of Saltillo, and Felipe Arizmendi, Bishop of San
Cristóbal de las Casas, joined the event. The celebration began at 10 am with a
Mass attended by prisoners and their families. Then, in a corner of the prison
yard and under the eyes of many prisoners who were enjoying the day with their
families, the book "Accompanying Hope" was introduced. Agnieszka Raczynska,
executive secretary of this organization, was in charge, and she was followed by
participations from members of the Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Human Rights
Centre or of Serapaz. The demands of the teachers and the account of the current
situation of the teachers' struggle were also included in the meeting, thanks to
an intervention from a teacher from section 7 who invited the audience to
support this cause, which is so related to human rights.

However, the most
anticipated moment was the awarding of Recognition of Innocence to Alberto
Patishtán. His compañeros from El Bosque took the opportunity to give him a
framed recognition of innocence. "It is not only my people, there are also very
many people throughout the world who recognize my innocence. Unfortunately the
authorities have closed their ears and eyes," said the professor. "My conscience
gives me freedom and keeps me strong and fearless". And if your name is Alberto
Patishtán, hope will never be lost. Martin Ramirez finished by saying: "We have
a plan and that is to free Patishtán".